Discussion
Doing 130 miles a day in a Skoda Citigo is not doing me any favours, so I’m looking for a change. The default choice for comfy, cheap, reliable and fairly economical cruising is of course the S60.
I’ve pretty much decided on one now, insurance is reasonable and I think they’re a lot of car for the money.
However, the dilemma: I want an auto. I have read that the Geartronic boxes on these are no bueno when it comes to longevity. Ideally I’d rather have the Euro 3 163 bhp engine, but I understand they changed the gearbox around 2005 which is also when they did the facelift and introduced the Euro 4 engine.
My question to you is, is it possible to have the revised gearbox in a Euro 3 car (not fussed about whether it’s a facelift)? Or do you think it’s worth just going for a Euro 4 model and losing a few mpgs (DPF shouldn’t be an issue as I spend most of my time on the M5)?
Budget is around £2k if that helps.
Any advice would be much appreciated.
I’ve pretty much decided on one now, insurance is reasonable and I think they’re a lot of car for the money.
However, the dilemma: I want an auto. I have read that the Geartronic boxes on these are no bueno when it comes to longevity. Ideally I’d rather have the Euro 3 163 bhp engine, but I understand they changed the gearbox around 2005 which is also when they did the facelift and introduced the Euro 4 engine.
My question to you is, is it possible to have the revised gearbox in a Euro 3 car (not fussed about whether it’s a facelift)? Or do you think it’s worth just going for a Euro 4 model and losing a few mpgs (DPF shouldn’t be an issue as I spend most of my time on the M5)?
Budget is around £2k if that helps.
Any advice would be much appreciated.
Haggle & a C270 can be yours these are truly bulletproof so i'd say consider one of these as well:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
With regards to the S60 go for the later one with the slightly better box.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
With regards to the S60 go for the later one with the slightly better box.
ZX10R NIN said:
Haggle & a C270 can be yours these are truly bulletproof so i'd say consider one of these as well:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
I’ve heard how good that engine is, but I’ve got my heart set on an S60! It’s an itch I’ve wanted to scratch for a while...https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
ZX10R NIN said:
With regards to the S60 go for the later one with the slightly better box.
I think this is the way forward, I’ve seen a few good examples of post 2005 ones comfortably within budget. Anything particular to look out for when viewing one?
Give the gearbox a good run through & pop the bonnet after you've been for a run just to make sure you don't have any leaking injectors (you'll smell it) apart from that it's the usual checks you'd give any car.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Don't forget to budget in a fluid & filter change.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Don't forget to budget in a fluid & filter change.
D5's are generally bullet proof and not much goes wrong. 200k+ is perfectly possible if serviced correctly so look for signs of decent service history.
Aux belt should be changed every three years (this can let go taking the timing belt and mullering the engine as a consequence). Cheap enough to replace so make it a priority job if it hasn't been done.
It's quite a heavy car so usual checks on brakes and suspension but nothing scary here price wise.
Geartronic auto box is a bit of a weak point and was continually improved as life went on. It can be a little sluggish when cold but once warmed up changes should be smooth. Walk away if it clonks or slams into gear. Replacement fluid change is recommended once the miles start to stack up. If you're buying a high miler look for evidence of it being changed otherwise budget to get it changed. Fluid ain't cheap but cheaper than a new 'box.
Usual electrical gremlins so prod, press and poke everything.
I have a V60 D5 and its been faultless since I bought it two years ago and the perfect tool for slogging up and down motorways. Won't win any prizes on twisty roads and the turning circle rivals an oil tanker but it does what it's built to do very well.
Aux belt should be changed every three years (this can let go taking the timing belt and mullering the engine as a consequence). Cheap enough to replace so make it a priority job if it hasn't been done.
It's quite a heavy car so usual checks on brakes and suspension but nothing scary here price wise.
Geartronic auto box is a bit of a weak point and was continually improved as life went on. It can be a little sluggish when cold but once warmed up changes should be smooth. Walk away if it clonks or slams into gear. Replacement fluid change is recommended once the miles start to stack up. If you're buying a high miler look for evidence of it being changed otherwise budget to get it changed. Fluid ain't cheap but cheaper than a new 'box.
Usual electrical gremlins so prod, press and poke everything.
I have a V60 D5 and its been faultless since I bought it two years ago and the perfect tool for slogging up and down motorways. Won't win any prizes on twisty roads and the turning circle rivals an oil tanker but it does what it's built to do very well.
valiant said:
Detailed and useful stuff
Cheers for that, just what I was after. I’m going to look at a mega mile V70 on Sunday (the day after my stag do no less, because cheap volvos are more important than hangovers). It’s a facelift 185 bhp auto with, er, 206k. It’s got FSH up to a point but after that nothing, I’m assuming it was self serviced. Ordinarily it’s the kind of thing I’d run a mile from however I have a really good feeling about it, and assuming it drives ok and passes the usual inspections I’ll get the belts done (seller has agreed to knock a chunk off to cover this - anyone got a rough cost?) and do the engine and gearbox oil, and we should be laughing. The MOT history is a glistening sea of green too, with only 2 failures - both for blown bulbs.
I’ve always wanted a moon mileage car, and there’s hope for it yet!
Don’t be afraid of moon mileage cars if everything stacks up.
Volvo dealer servicing is notoriously expensive so it’s no wonder it may be home serviced (nothing wrong with this but look for receipts and try and gauge the owner)
Belts are surprisingly easy and quick to change and not too expensive either but ensure all tensioners are replaced at the same time. Personally, I’d stick with official Volvo parts as I’ve heard third party stuff doesn’t last.
With care and attention to wear and tear stuff there is no reason why you won’t see another 100k out of that.
Almost forgot, Volvo reckon the geartronic ‘box is sealed for life but this is b
ks hence some of the failures. Find a good Volvo specialist and ensure the right fluids to correct specs are used - the ‘box is very picky about this.
There a wealth of support on volvoforums.com that will help steer you in the right direction.
Volvo dealer servicing is notoriously expensive so it’s no wonder it may be home serviced (nothing wrong with this but look for receipts and try and gauge the owner)
Belts are surprisingly easy and quick to change and not too expensive either but ensure all tensioners are replaced at the same time. Personally, I’d stick with official Volvo parts as I’ve heard third party stuff doesn’t last.
With care and attention to wear and tear stuff there is no reason why you won’t see another 100k out of that.
Almost forgot, Volvo reckon the geartronic ‘box is sealed for life but this is b
ks hence some of the failures. Find a good Volvo specialist and ensure the right fluids to correct specs are used - the ‘box is very picky about this. There a wealth of support on volvoforums.com that will help steer you in the right direction.
Edited by valiant on Saturday 17th November 11:47
valiant said:
Don’t be afraid of moon mileage cars if everything stacks up.
Volvo dealer servicing is notoriously expensive so it’s no wonder it may be home serviced (nothing wrong with this but look for receipts and try and gauge the owner)
I second this, my experience with main dealer servicing is shocking and local indie or home servicing can be far more appealing. Volvo dealer servicing is notoriously expensive so it’s no wonder it may be home serviced (nothing wrong with this but look for receipts and try and gauge the owner)
Thanks for your help chaps, after discussion with my insurance company I decided I was better off with a 163, and due to the potential for ruinious auto gearbox replacements I went for a manual after all.
I’ve just picked up a 2004 V70 D5 manual, which appears to have most of the expensive things replaced. Cosmetically it’s very poor, and needs a few small things doing (passenger side mirror glass is smashed, and the rear wiper arm is missing) but as cheap, comfy transport I think I’ve made the right call.
Will do a readers cars thread eventually, thanks again for your help.
I’ve just picked up a 2004 V70 D5 manual, which appears to have most of the expensive things replaced. Cosmetically it’s very poor, and needs a few small things doing (passenger side mirror glass is smashed, and the rear wiper arm is missing) but as cheap, comfy transport I think I’ve made the right call.
Will do a readers cars thread eventually, thanks again for your help.
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